As anticipation builds for Black Sabbath’s long-awaited “Back to the Beginning” farewell show, one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic collaborators, guitarist Jake E. Lee, has spoken out about his decision to join the historic event — despite not having spoken to the Prince of Darkness in decades.
In a candid interview with *Guitar World*, Lee revealed that it wasn’t Ozzy himself who reached out to bring him into the fold, but rather another titan of rock — *Rage Against the Machine* guitarist Tom Morello. Morello is serving as the musical director for the all-star tribute and final performance, set to take place in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham.
> “Tom Morello called me,” Lee said. “He said, ‘There’s going to be a thing, an original Sabbath performance and Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance. I can’t see this going on without Jake E. Lee in there somewhere.’”
It was an offer Lee couldn’t refuse. The guitarist famously played on some of Ozzy’s most memorable solo records in the 1980s, including *Bark at the Moon* and *The Ultimate Sin*. His high-octane playing and melodic solos helped define a new chapter of Ozzy’s career following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads.
Despite his critical role in that era, Lee’s relationship with Osbourne and his team grew distant over the years. He’s long been outspoken about creative disagreements and management conflicts during his time in Ozzy’s band. However, all those issues seemed to fade away when it came to the significance of this final show.
> “It’s a thrill to be a part of it,” Lee said. “And even more so for me to watch it. I hope Ozzy can get through it. I haven’t spoken with him or seen him in decades.”
Now in his 70s and battling Parkinson’s disease, Ozzy Osbourne’s health has been a major concern for fans and bandmates alike. Despite multiple surgeries and physical setbacks, he has vowed to go out on a high note — with the people who helped him shape heavy metal history.
Jake E. Lee made it clear that his motivation isn’t rooted in nostalgia or personal recognition, but rather in giving Ozzy the send-off he deserves.
> “I really don’t know what condition he’s in, but he deserves a final farewell performance,” Lee added. “No matter how he is, or how well his singing is, he deserves to have that final farewell. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
The “Back to the Beginning” show promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, reuniting Black Sabbath’s original lineup for the first time since 2005 and bringing together a constellation of legendary collaborators from across Ozzy’s solo career. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate the legacy of a man who redefined rock and roll. For Jake E. Lee, it’s a long-overdue moment of closure — and a final salute to a musical journey that changed both his life and the world of metal forever.
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